Tumbrella

Kangaroo Island's Remarkable Rocks

Is South Australia’s Kangaroo Island worth a visit – what’s worth doing when you’re there?
Samantha Keeley, via email.

Does the Pope crap in the woods? Kangaroo Island is, as the Aussies love to say, “a beaut”, Samanatha. I did a three-day, two-night tour of the island (from Adelaide) but still felt I’d not seen half of it.

It is after all Australia’s third largest island. I went sandboarding, spent plenty of time on some gorgeous beaches (especially Vivonne Bay and Secret Beach), “played” the didge round a campfire and mucked about on some pretty Remarkable Rocks (pictured).

But best of all was the wildlife. We saw snakes, koalas, seals, sea lions (okay, strictly speaking, they’re a species of seal if you’re going to be pedantic…), ‘roos, wallabies and little penguins (formerly “fairy” penguins), all up close, all in their natural habitat.

It was really rewarding. Kangaroo Island is like a zoo without both fences and children screaming “I want an ice creeaaam!”.

So in summary I’d say a big “yes”, there’s plenty to do and see on Kangaroo Island. If you have time and wheels on your side, I’d probably give it 4-5 days.

Alternatively several companies run tours from the South Australian capital, with all the obvious advantages.